Small Business Solutions

As temperatures drop, you may start thinking about turning on the heat or using a space heater.Fire officials say they see an increase in calls during colder weather and stress that there are simple ways to avoid fire hazards.Hopefully, everybody has had their furnace inspected before the beginning of the heating season, said John Vanatta, deputy chief of the Rogers Fire Department.Vanatta noted that in winter, one in every seven fires is caused by heating equipment, with space heaters being the most common culprit.Try to keep them away from flammable materials, like drapes or blankets, Vanatta said. Three feet is generally the accepted distance for that stuff.He also urged homeowners to prepare for emergencies by stocking essential safety items.We always start with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Vanatta said. Those are the biggest things. Have a fire extinguisher in your house, preferably one rated for A, B and C fires usually a dry chemical extinguisher.Local hardware stores say they are stocked with winter safety items.For the wintertime, we have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, which are very important, said Simonnee Butler, office manager at Nelson Hardware & Supplies. Make sure they have new batteries. We also carry fire extinguishers in different styles and sizes. I always recommend keeping one close by.Luke Owens, who lives in a recreational vehicle in Cave Springs, said he and his wife have already winterized their home.Weve gotten skirting for it to help underneath, a heated water hose, and I end up shutting off all my tanks, said Owens. Im not trying to drain in freezing weather because Ive had my sewer hose freeze up before.Butler added that her store is stocked with other winter essentials, including ice melt, snow sleds and snow shovels.We actually sold a sled today, said Butler. People are making sure they have what they need for when the snow comes.Vanatta emphasized the importance of preparation.Its better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have all the equipment you need before an emergency happens,” said Vanatta.